For journeys of geography, imagination, or heart, resilience and friendship make fine traveling companions. The creativity of these musicians will help you think about these things.

‘Expectation is the root of all heartache’ - William Shakespeare

The minute I saw the art of Kippy Sage, I was entranced. There's a certain joie de vivre that glows from within her art; her creativity is extraordinary! Read on for more about Kippy, including inspiration, finding her art online, and a special project with the Smithsonian.

Without further ado, the words and art of Kippy Sage...

Summer's end, autumn's beginning, shifting times global and local, time to reflect wherever you may find yourself and in whatever season.

As ever, changes and choices are in the wind.

“Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart” - Winnie the Pooh

When planning our recent anniversary getaway to Kauai, Hawaii, I did not spend time researching historical sites. With less than a week at this romantic destination, our emphasis was on outdoor adventures and food. At this point in our lives, we are extremely grateful for the time we spend together. Ira was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable brain cancer, approximately a year ago.

Finding connection, celebrating difference, taking joy in the small things on the way to those discoveries: music can be a gateway to all those things.

‘Energizers stimulate vitality in others; by interacting with energizers, others feel motivated and inspired. Energy givers are optimistic, attentive, reliable, and unselfish. They attract others.’ 
- Marcella Bremer (Positive Energizers)

With a conceptual approach, Chinese-born and Oakland-based interdisciplinary artist Zhang Mengjiao, aka Jasmine’s work investigates social issues of “immigration” and explores questions pertinent to the autonomy behind being a woman of color, Chinese, artist, and human being. Her socially engaged art takes the form of photography, texts, painting, performance video, and sculptural installations.

Nature is a deep source of inspiration for musicians. At times, that might lead to a symphony, or a concerto. It might lead to a children's song, a dance tune, or a hymn. There are many paths to explore and consider nature through music, through stories of weather, time, space, landscape, and many more aspects.